her local community association of
Lorette. Within a couple of years, she
was recruited as an assistant coach,
receiving her coaching certification in
1990. Before long all five of her children
were playing ringette. Her passion for
the sport was evident when she also
began officiating and then playing in
the Ladies League team, where she
also captain for several years. Her
administrative contributions include
managing, tournament organizing,
leading community initiatives and
presiding on boards.
Dedicated to developing the best
officials program possible she went
on to instructing clinics in 1999. Add
to the list of her her contributions;
recruiting, scheduling, directing,
evaluating, mentoring, supervising,
shot clock operating and contributing
at the National level. Bohemier excels
in everything she does. She encourages
others to get involved, She has been an
inspiration to new officials just starting
out, those seeking to develop and
many of her senior colleagues.
Her children and, even, children
in law, have themselves become
significantly involved in ringette in
various ways. It is a testament to
her love, passion and dedication for
ringette that her entire family is also
very much immersed in ringette.
Don Kozun
Don Kozun
has been
involved
in Ringette
for over 30
years as a
coach, administrator
and minor
official.
In 1983 his daughter started playing
on a bunny team. Little did he know
his life was about to change. In 1987 he
started managing her team. The following year he took on the role of Assistant
Coach. That year they won Silver in the
City Playoffs and Gold at Provincials. In
1989 he became the Head Coach.
In the 1990’s he also took on the role
of ringette registrar. A few years later he
became a board member with his local
association, APFG and became their
WRL Representative. He also served as
the WRL Playoff Coordinator as well as
WRL President. Then in 2002 he took
on President for MRA. He was elected
to the Ringette Canada board
of Directors and appointed as the
director of finance and held this
position until 2010.
In 2007 he added shot clock operator
to his Ringette resume. You can still see
him around the rinks doing shot clock
games today.
From 2012-2014 he returned to
the MRA board as President. During
that time he was a champion for
the creation of the R4U program.
Currently he is a co-chair of the Open
Elite Committee.
He has remained the coach of his
daughter’s team. The Royals are in the
Open 1 loop of the WRL. Four of the
players on this team have been with
him since he started coaching in 1988.
the entire team as equals he
has earned the respect of every one
of his U16 players. He gives his team
the motivation to help them reach
their goals and the result was a gold
medal at Provincials and a silver
medal at WCRC.
Saltel began coaching when his
daughter was U9. Since day one he has
committed to the sport of Ringette as
a coach and parent.
Coaches, like players, don’t enter
the sport fully formed, it takes great
commitment and dedication to
your own personal and professional
development to become really good
at it. Dan has committed himself to
that development , completing many
courses and workshops to achieve his
certification. But more impressively,
he has pursued mentorship from more
experienced coaches.
Spiros Kavvadas
Coach of the Year 2016:
Dan Saltel
Ringette
continues
to be
blessed with
committed
coaches who
having a great
impact on
teams and
players. The
competition
for coach of
the year is very stiff. There were many
deserving nominations this year, but
two that stood out among that crowd.
Dan Saltel is hard working, determined,
and loved by his team. A man whose
leadership emphasizes the strengths of
each member of the team and focuses
on honing their skills for application in
every game. His passion for his team
radiates, and his excitement for the
game is contagious. To quote one of
his players: “By the end of the season I
not only have a new favorite coach, but
a new friend.”
His dedication to the team is
admirable. Despite his daughter being
injured, he was at every practice and
every game. Through his positivity,
sense of humor, and his ability to treat
Spiros
Kavvadas
commitment
to his
athletes
began as
soon as the
team was
formed. Over
the summer,
he ran
dryland and
conditioning skates, as well as Zumba
sessions at his house. Recognizing
that a team is more than just their
time on the ice, he organized a team
hamper for the program Santa for a
Senior, to put a focus on teamwork
and community, bringing the team
together to make Christmas special
for someone in need. He hosted team
breakfasts and lunches at his house
including parents and siblings as well.
This created relationships that will be
cherished and never forgotten. He has
supported his players through injury,
success and defeat with a positive
attitude and always knows the right
words to turn challenge into success.
He exemplifies professionalism on
and off the ice and has the same
expectations for his team staff, players,
parents and their families. He always
acts with the highest of integrity.
Website: www.winnipegringette.com | Twitter: @wpgringette | Facebook: Winnipeg Ringette League
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